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How I Made Law Firm Leadership: 'It’s Imperative That You Never Stop Learning,' Says Ian Ribald of Ballard Spahr

"Try to do every job in the businesses so you can understand different roles and perspectives, gain empathy, and understand what is needed to drive results. Listen to your peers and managers to learn the full scope of the business. Spend time with clients and mentors. It’s imperative that you never stop learning. The worst and most uncomfortable moments in my career have been the most professionally beneficial, because they put new experiences and skills in my toolbox. If you’re afraid to stick your neck out and take advantage of a new opportunity, you’ll stop growing and advancing as a professional, and that can be fatal."
8 minute read

Law.com

How I Made Practice Group Chair: 'It's Essential to Have a Clear Vision,' Says Matthew Carey of Marshall Gerstein

"To be an effective practice group leader, it's essential to have a clear vision, make sound decisions, and demonstrate expertise in addressing client needs, which enables us to effectively set group objectives and align our efforts with the firm’s broader strategy. Equally important are strong communication and collaboration skills to ensure team members are engaged in meaningful projects."
6 minute read

Law.com

How I Made Office Managing Partner: 'Be a Lawyer First, Foremost and Always,' Says Matthew McLaughlin of Venable

"Be a lawyer first, foremost, and always. Even if you are something of a general practitioner, find some area of expertise. You will not be able to lead as a manager if your colleagues do not respect your legal abilities. Keep your focus on practice development and skills development."
8 minute read

Law.com

How I Made Practice Group Chair: 'Be a Good Partner and Colleague,' Says Logan Drew of Robins Kaplan

"Be a good partner and colleague. Cultivate relationships with your colleagues, learn what they value and what makes them tick, and do what you can to help them get where they’re trying to go. It will help their practice, build trust, and ensure your practice group operates at its best. Knowing the business really well and having a successful practice are also important, of course, but I firmly believe the more human elements are the most important."
8 minute read

Law.com

How the Deal Got Done: Sidley Austin and NWSL Angel City Football Club/Iger

Sidley Austin represented Angel City FC (ACFC), the Los Angeles-based National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club, in its $250M controlling stake sale to Willow Bay, dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, and Bob Iger, CEO of the Walt Disney Company. Sidley’s deal team was led by partner Eric Geffner, a member of the firm’s Entertainment, Sports and Media, M&A and Private Equity groups. He offers this perspective on “How the Deal Got Done.”
4 minute read

Law.com

How I Made Partner: 'Don’t Be Scared to Be Ambitious,' Says Aya Eguchi of Morrison Foerster

"Don’t be scared to be ambitious. I struggled with that. You need to raise your hand if you want to be considered for lead associate on a deal or for partnership. Do good work and provide value to the firm and the partnership will see that."
10 minute read

Law.com

How I Made Practice Group Chair: 'It's Not Just About Legal Expertise,' Says Alison O'Dwyer of Fullerton Beck

"I have learned that it's not just about legal expertise but also about planning, team development, effective communication and collaboration."
5 minute read

Law.com

How I Made Firm Managing Partner: 'Mistakes and Setbacks Are Valuable Learning Experiences,' Says Kristen Behrens of Dilworth Paxson

"I’d remind myself that mistakes and setbacks are valuable learning experiences, not something to be avoided. Early in my career, I often felt the pressure to be perfect, fearing that any misstep could derail my progress. But now I understand that the most growth happens in those moments of struggle and failure. We develop resilience, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of our authentic selves through facing difficulties and learning from them."
7 minute read

Delaware Business Court Insider

'Get Out From Behind Your Desk': Cohen Seglias' New Wilmington Managing Partner On Leadership

"Get out from behind your desk. Build your book of business and make relationships you can bank on. As you build yourself, you will build your team."
5 minute read

Law.com

How I Made Partner: 'Take Every Opportunity to Learn,' Says David Fitzgibbon of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young

"Take every opportunity to learn and gain as much experience as possible."
3 minute read

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